In the Isolation of Immigration Court, A Son Finds His Mother

Immigration court in San Francisco has two branches — one for those in custody, and ones for those who have been released.  For those in custody, they remain shackled, are dressed in ICE jail clothes of green and soft orange shoes, and cannot have any contact with family or friends who are there to support them.  Even when their case is up for deliberation, they remain in chains.

Usually, the courtrooms for the detained are deserts. It is the detainee, sometimes with their attorney, against the prosecutor and the judge.  But yesterday, for this young man’s court, 16 people filled the courtroom.  He had his fierce attorney by his side.  And in the seats — family, clergy of various faiths, De-Bug, a San Mateo County District Attorney and a Private Defender who had helped see him through his case, sat to bear witness, to support, and to send a message that there is a community of people who want this young man home.

This is a picture of him and his mother holding each other for a brief moment, after nearly 8 months in ICE custody. This young man is now in his 30′s, but in this moment of embrace, he is the loved child, holding his mother tight in a difficult time.